COLUMBUS, Ohio -- With the March 26 application deadline one month away, Ohio residents affected by January’s severe storms and flooding have been approved for more than $1.75 million in disaster assistance to date, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA).

Applications are still being taken for disaster assistance that was made available with President Bush’s disaster declaration of one month ago. For those who have already applied for assistance, $1,078,483 in grants and $675,500 in low-interest disaster loans have been approved

Disaster recovery officials urge anyone who suffered damage or loss in the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred between January 3-30 to apply for assistance by calling the toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The number for those with speech or hearing impairment is TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both phone lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, until further notice. The last day to apply for assistance is March 26.

The following is a one-month summary of assistance efforts as of close of business February 26:

746 individuals in 8 disaster-declared Ohio counties have applied for federal and state assistance
(see page 2 for a breakdown of assistance by county)